“NEW TO HIM”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22326, 28 July 1934, Page 17

“NEW TO HIM”

NOVEL MAINTENANCE CASE HUSBAND SUES WIFE. Described by Mr J. G. L. Hewitt, S-M;, as a case quite new to him, proceedings were taken in the Petone Court a few days ago by a man against his wife for the biaintenauce of a child that was living with him. Mr A. R. Grimwood appeared for the plaintiff and Mr, D. M. Dickson for. the defendant. ' The plaintiff in his. evidence stated that he was a blacksmith, and. had nowbeen on relief for the last three years, and his wage there was 22s 6d a w-eek. His wife had left him of her own accord about two and a-half years ago, and since then she had twice instituted proceedings for separation against him, but each time the case- bad been dismissed. He bad three boys at home,, their ages being 22, 16, and 14, and he was suing his wile for the maintenance of the youngest child. His wife was earning- £1 13s 6d a week a's a second cook, and had board given to her. In reply to a question by Mr Dickson, the plaintiff admitted that tlie last time the defendant sued for separation she asked for the custody of the youngest child. In dismissing the application the magistrate said the father was liable for the maintenance of the child.' He was not hound to keep the. other two boys at homo and his wage of 22s 6d was the allowance for a married man with one child. Besides this, the wife had requested the custody of the-youngest child. In all his experience he had never heard a case like this.- -.